Elaiosomes (Greek élaion `oil` and sóma `body`) are fleshy structures that are attached to the seeds of many plant species. The elaiosome is rich in lipids and proteins, and may be variously shaped. Many plants have elaiosomes that attract ants, which take the seed to their nest and feed the elaiosome to their larvae. After the larvae have c...
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaiosome
(from the article `Cyperaceae`) ...bract. The perigynium may tightly envelop the achene or it may be inflated like a bladder, flattened and scalelike, or even fleshy and edible. ... ...of the pickaback plant (Tolmiea), hooked styles in some species of avens, and barbs on the hypanthium in agrimony. Certain species of cinquefoil ... [...
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http://www.britannica.com/eb/a-z/e/16
<cell biology> An appendage of a seed, usually rich in oil, not essential for the viability of the seed but attractive to animals (especially ants) as a food for larvae etc. And hence an aid to dispersal by such animals. ... Origin: Gr. Soma = body ... (09 Oct 1997) ...
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http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20973
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